September 30, 2011 AT 1:08 pm

Mystic Radio — Icelandic Runes and Schematic Symbols

Jake von Slatt was invited by Hendrick’s Gin to participate in their “Curate-a-Box” contest. He decided to create an electronics-themed box, which combines Iceland’s ancient runic characters with the magic of radio, evoked by the mysterious glyphs known to us as electronic schematic symbols. As you can see, the result is nothing short of spectacular. Jake writes:

The electrolytically etched brass plate on top of the box depicts symbols used in science, engineering, and alchemy. An Icelandic Vegvísir is featured prominently surrounded by the components of a modern magnetron microwave transmitting tube. The background features the schematic diagram for a vintage Heathkit oscilloscope.

The Vegvísir is often thought of as a mystical symbol but it is in fact a very practical mnemonic device for mastering navigational rules of thumb.

Opening the box, the seeker will discover that it is lined with with pages from the 1935 edition of “Modern Radio Servicing.” as well as a “Junior Electronics Lab.” Interacting with said lab via the instruction manual will de-mystify the very nature of radio itself for the engaged participant.